Ipswich Town take on Stoke City in a Championship match at the bet365 Stadium this afternoon (3pm ko). STUART WATSON previews the action.

Lambert signed a two-and-a-half year contract at Stoke but was sacked after the Potters were relegated from the Premier League. Photo: PA

Ipswich Town boss Paul Lambert hopes he gets a good reception on his return to Stoke City this afternoon.

The Scot replaced Mark Hughes at the bet365 Stadium on January 16 when the Potters were 18th in the Premier League. He had just 15 games in charge – two wins and seven draws not enough to prevent the Staffordshire club sliding out of the top-flight for the first time in a decade.

Lambert, who has been reunited at Portman Road with two of his Stoke staff members in assistant Stuart Taylor and fitness coach Jim Henry, continued: “I think everyone will be good with us. I think the crowd saw we gave everything. I don’t think anyone could close the door on us and say we didn’t give it a real good go.

“We came at a hard time in a really unforgiving league. We drew too many games, that was the bottom line.”

– Tom Ince and Sam Clucas both returned to action recently after injuries.

– Nigerian international midfielder Peter Etebo is suspended.

– Boss Gary Rowett started with a 4-2-3-1 system at Reading last weekend, but brought on veteran duo Ashley Williams and Darren Fletcher and switched to a wing-back formation after his side went 2-1 up. They ended up conceding a late equaliser to make it four draws in six.

Opposition key man

Tom Ince

The 26-year-old former Blackpool, Derby and Huddersfield winger is Stoke’s main attacking outlet on the right. Recently back from injury, he’s scored five goals so far.

Odds

Stoke City 11/21

Draw 10/3

Ipswich Town 17/2

Referee

Geoff Eltringham (County Durham)

Games: 12, Yellows: 34, Reds: 1

Stu’s prediction

Stoke City 2 Ipswich Town 0

Stoke hard to beat and have some Premier class. Fear Town’s youth energy won’ be enough.